>> GREETINGS AND WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FORUM, A PROGRAM PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH WTJX TELEVISION FOR WELL OVER 35 YEARS.

I AM FRANCINE LANG MODERATOR FOR THE PROGRAM TODAY.

AS I LIVE WITH AND CARE FOR AN ELDERLY RELATIVE WHO MAY BE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED I HAVE CHOSEN TO WEAR A MASK FOR THE PROGRAM TODAY.

I ASKED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF MY DECISION AS I STRIVE TO PROTECT.

IT IS THE HOPE OF THE LEAGUE THAT THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS YOU THE VOTING PUBLIC WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR ELECT OFFICE TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK AT ALL OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2022 ELECTION-YEAR RIGHT HERE ON WTJX TV, WITH CANDIDATES SEEKING OFFICERS OF THE SENATOR, FOR GOVERNOR OR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

I WROTE ALL CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITIONS AND WAS INVITED, BUT NOT ALL RESPONDED OR ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

TODAY TOO AND IS RUNNING FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR IN ST. CROIX.

THE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE GUIDELINES OF THE PROGRAM.

NO CANDIDATE HAD ACCESS TO THE QUESTIONS.

FIRST RESPONDER TO EACH QUESTION WILL BE ROTATED AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

ANSWERS ARE GENERALLY 60 -90/2.

THE TIMING OF THE QUESTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

ANY COMMENT DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT ANOTHER PERSISTENT --PARTICIPANT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A REBUTTAL .

ALL HER AS TO BE RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE.

LET´S BEGIN.

I WILL ASK EACH CANDIDATE TO IDENTIFY WHO THEY ARE AND TO STATE THEIR CLINICAL AFFILIATION.

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH .

LET´S START WITH NOVELLE FRANCIS JR. .

PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND BALLOT NUMBER AND AFFILIATION.

AND I AM NUMBER 13 ON THE BALLOT AND I AM RUNNING AS A DEMOCRAT.

>> GOOD NAME --TO DATE , MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA AND I AM AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE AND NUMBER 21.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW FOR OUR FIRST QUESTION.

LET´S BEGIN BY TALKING ABOUT YOUR READINESS TO BE A SENATOR.

THIS IS A TWO-PART QUESTION IN WHICH YOU WILL EAST HAVE -- EACH HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER.

AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE LEGISLATURE WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETENCIES AS WELL AS EDUCATION AND TRAINING THAT WILL MAKE A GOOD CHOICE TO ADDRESS OUR ISSUES AS A SENATOR?

WHAT ARE YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT SHOW YOUR SKILLS AND READINESS TO ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE?

PLEASE ANSWER BOTH PARTS OF THE QUESTION IN 90 SECONDS.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS RELATING TO THE POSITION?

90 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> THEY GIVE VERY MUCH.

I AM NUMBER 13 AND MY COMPETENCY IS I HAVE BEEN AT THE BUSINESS CENTER FOR THE LAST FOUR TERMS, AND PRIOR TO JOINING THE LEGISLATURE I WAS A POLICE OFFICER AT AND RETIRED WITH 25 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

MY SUCCESS STORIES ARE MANY.

I HAVE LEGISLATION THAT COULD IMPACT THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE OF LOW INCOME.

WE HAVE SPONSORED AND COSPONSORED LEGISLATION AND WE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE LEGISLATION AND I AM HAPPY TO BE HERE.

>> THANK YOU.

GOOD DAY.

I AM A CANDIDATE AND I´M NUMBER 21.

AS FAR AS MY COMPETENCY GOES AND MY READINESS OF BEING A BUSINESSMAN IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND I UNDERSTAND BUSINESS, AND UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO MOVE FORWARD.

I UNDERSTAND WHERE THE MINDS OF OUR PEOPLE ARE HERE.

ALSO UNDERSTAND , AND I AM READY TO PUT FORWARD LEGISLATION THAT WILL MOVE US INTO A PROGRESSIVE SPIRIT HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S TALK ABOUT YOUR VISION FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

2027 WALMART THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS .

THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS YOUR VISION WITH RESPECT TO SELF- GOVERNANCE FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU TEND TO PLAY IF ANY.

PLEASE KNOW THAT IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY INDEPENDENCE, AND YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> SELF-GOVERNANCE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IN ACCORDANCE, A FOUR POINT PLATFORM, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORY, A PLAN TO INTRODUCE FOOD SECURITY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND I ALSO PLAN TO GIVE A PORTION SO WE CAN HAVE REPRESENTATION IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

MOST IMPORTANTLY WE PLAN TO REFORM THE EDUCATION SYSTEM SO ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THE CONNECTIVITY TOWARD ONE ANOTHER HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, TO CREATE BETTER CITIZENS HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MISTER FRANCIS.

>> AS A LEADER OF THIS TERRITORY, WE NEED SELF- DETERMINATION AND CONTINUE TO EDUCATE OUR PEOPLE ON SELF- DETERMINATION.

GET INPUT FROM OUR COMMUNITY AND IT IS ALSO MY RESPONSIBILITY TO BE HERE FOR THE PEOPLE ENACTED BY SELF-DETERMINATION, AND GOVERNOR OF THE CONSTITUTION , AND APPEAR TO MOVE WHATEVER AGENDA IS DETERMINED BY MY PEOPLE COLLECTIVELY, WE CAN VOTE AND ENSURE THAT IN FACT AFTER THESE MANY YEARS THAT WE CAN MAKE A DECISION ABOUT HOW WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS TERRITORY.

>> THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION.

TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD MORAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE PRIVATE LIFE OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY VOTERS IN MAKING THEIR CHOICE AND WHY?

YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR THIS QUESTION AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> I THINK MALL AND ETHICS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DETERMINATION MADE BY VOTERS ABOUT INDIVIDUALS THEY WANT TO REPRESENT THEM.

I HAVE MAINTAINED A LEADERSHIP STANCE AND MAKE SURE THAT I LIVE THE LIFE I WANT AND IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE.

MAKING SURE THAT IN FACT THAT I CARRY MYSELF AND CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT I LEAD FROM THE FRONT.

I THINK IT IS SO CRITICAL, AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT NUMBER 13 YOU WILL ALSO SEE I AM MINDFUL OF WHAT A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE MEANS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WOULD YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION.

>> TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD MORAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN THE PRIVATE LIFE OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY VOTERS IN MAKING THEIR CHOICES AND WHY ?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> MORALS AND COMPETENCY OF THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY FOR THE VOTERS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT OUR LEADERS, THAT OUR CHILDREN CAN LOOK UP TO SO IN TURN THEY CAN ASPIRE TO BE LIKE THE LEADERS WE ELECT HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> THANK YOU.

IN RECENT POLL OF THE ELECTORATE IN 2022 VOTERS IDENTIFY FOUR AREAS OF MAJOR CONCERN AS BEING EDUCATION, CRIME, HEALTH , AND LET´S LOOK AT EACH ONE SEPARATELY AND ADDRESS WHAT YOUR RESPONSES WOULD BE TO THESE MATTERS IF ELECTED TO THE 35th LEGISLATURE.

WITH RESPECT TO EDUCATION WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES FACING EDUCATION TODAY, AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

WE HAVE 90 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER VEIRA.

>> IT WITH EDUCATION CRIME AND WELFARE AND THIS EDUCATION IS SPECIFICALLY ABOUT EDUCATION.

>> EDUCATION IS PARAMOUNT BECAUSE EVERYTHING THAT WE DO IN OUR LIVES DEPENDS ON HOW WE ARE EDUCATED.

AS FAR AS EDUCATION IS CONCERNED, EDUCATION SHOULD BE BASED ON AN INDIVIDUAL FRAME OF MIND.

OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS FAILED US BECAUSE WE DO NOT EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN WITH THE TRUTH ABOUT HISTORY.

IN OUR EDUCATION FORUM WE PLAN TO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN ABOUT THEMSELVES AND CONNECTIVITY TO WHERE THEY LIVE AND CONNECTIVITY TO EACH OTHER.

INTERN THIS WILL CREATE BETTER CITIZENS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I THINK YOU.

>> MISTER FRANCIS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE QUESTION.

EDUCATION IS FUNDAMENTALLY VERY CRITICAL TO OUR STUDENTS AND WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY IN OUR SOCIETY TO MAKE SURE OUR CHILDREN ARE PROBABLY EDUCATED.

WE HAVE TO GET TO THE ROOT CAUSES, AND WE HAVE TO BREAK THROUGH THE PIPELINE FOR EXAMPLE AND GO BACK AND LOOK AT POLITICS AND THE ISSUES AS TO WHY THEY ARE HAVING THE DIFFICULTY OF BEING EDUCATED.

ALSO LOOK AT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH.

THEIR INABILITY A LOT OF TIMES TO MOVE FORWARD SO THAT WE CAN HAVE EARLY INTERVENTION AND DIAGNOSIS AND PROVIDE EARLY TREATMENT TO OUR STUDENTS.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS AND HOLD OUR PARENTS ACCOUNTABLE AS WELL.

WE HAVE ANALYSIS RECENTLY WHERE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN IN SCHOOL FOR OVER NO WAY FOR THEM TO BE EDUCATED IF THEY ARE ABSENT FROM OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR TEACHERS ARE PROVIDED WITH THE NECESSARY RESOURCES, AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE ADEQUATELY COMPENSATED SO AT THE END OF THE DAY THEY CAN ENSURE OUR STUDENTS ARE PROPERLY EDUCATED.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH IT IS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

MANY LEAD THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH OF HEALTHCARE, ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX.

WHAT YOU SEE AS A PRIMARY CHALLENGES REGARDING HEALTHCARE AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A CENTER IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE QUESTION.

OF COURSE WE ARE LIMITED HERE IN TERMS OF A HURRICANE WE DON´T HAVE A SUITABLE HOSPITAL TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR PEOPLE RECEIVE PROPER HEALTHCARE.

WE ALSO HAVE A SIGNIFICANCE OF UNCOMPENSATED , AND IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR PEOPLE HERE.

WE HAVE TO GET OUR HOSPITAL UP AND RUNNING.

I HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD FOR EXAMPLE TO GET THAT OPEN SO THAT WE CAN HAVE ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE HERE.

WE ALSO HAVE TO ENSURE THERE IS PROPER PREVENTION AND COULD PREVENT INDIVIDUALS FROM REQUIRING HEALTHCARE .

BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE NEED A SUITABLE HEALTHCARE FACILITY AND WE COULD BECOME THE HEALING DESTINATION HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IF WE ARE ABLE TO GET OUR HEALTHCARE UP AND RUNNING.

AND ELEMENTS, AND EVERYTHING TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE .

THE EXPENSES AND ALMOST 30-60 MAIN DOLLARS OF HEALTHCARE.

>> WITH RESPECT TO CRIME IT IS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

THERE IS TWO PARTS TO THIS QUESTION.

MISTER VEIRA, I AM SORRY.

WE DIDN´T GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO RESPOND TO THE HEALTH QUESTION.

MY APOLOGY.

WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH BE ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS, MANY LEAD THE TERRITORY IN SEARCH OF HEALTHCARE, ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX.

WHAT YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES REGARDING HEALTHCARE AND WHAT ARE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A CENTER IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE.

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT HEALTHCARE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX.

IT HAS BEEN NEGLECTED FOR DECADES.

IT IS MORE PRODUCTIVE AND UNDERSTANDING WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTHCARE, AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS OUR PROFESSIONAL DUTY TO BE PROPERLY COMPENSATED, AND THE REEVALUATION OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE DONE SO WE CAN MOVE A PATIENT WHEN THEY ARE ADMITTED INTO THE HOSPITAL, AND A MORE HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF TREATY OUR PATIENTS NEED TO BE ADOPTED.

I THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION AND MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA NUMBER 21 .

>> WITH RESPECT TO CRIME IT WAS VOTED AS ONE OF THE TOP FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS.

IT IS A TO DREW PARK QUESTION.

WHAT YOU SEE AS THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A CENTER IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

YOU WILL ANSWER THIS FIRST PART AND THEN WE WILL GO TO THE SECOND PART.

90 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER VEIRA .

>> IT WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IT HAS GOTTEN OUT OF HAND OVER DECADES BECAUSE OF FAILED POLICIES.

INDIVIDUALS THAT WE KEEP ELECTING OUR SOFT WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHANGED TO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN TO THEIR CONNECTIVITY AND WHERE THEY ARE FROM AND CONNECTIVITY TO EACH OTHER HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

JULIAN VEIRA NUMBER 31 AT THE BOTTOM .

>> I SERVED AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR 25 YEARS.

WE HAVE A ISSUE OF POVERTY IN OUR COUNTRY.

WE ALSO HAVE A SITUATION WHERE DRUGS AND GUNS ARE AVAILABLE AND EASILY ASSESSABLE.

THEY DON´T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OR SHOULD I SAY THE OPPORTUNITY TO EMBRACE THESE GUNS AND DRUGS AND CARRY OUT , AND WE HAVE TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS NOT TO HAVE A LIFE OF CRIME AND PROVIDE EDUCATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY.

AT THE END OF THE DAY WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES.

MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE HOLDING INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATIONS OF LAW, AND WE HAVE TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A LIFE TO THEM THAT IS MUCH BETTER THAN A LIFE OF CRIME.

WE ALSO HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS GIVEN THE RESOURCES AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS GIVEN THE RESOURCES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE MINIMIZING THE LIFE OF CRIME FOR OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

THE SECOND PART OF THE QUESTION IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST OUR CHILDREN IS A CONCERN IN OUR COMMUNITY.

RECENT DISCLOSURE OF ASSAULT AGAINST 12 SCHOOLBOYS BY TEACHER IS SHOCKING AND THE COMMUNITY WAS RIGHTFULLY OUTRAGED.

A GIRL WAS AND ASSAULTED TOO.

HOW CAN YOU AS A SENATOR PROTECT OUR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM SEXUAL ASSAULTS BY ADULTS?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR THIS QUESTION AND THEN WE WILL START UP AGAIN WITH MISTER VEIRA .

>> THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT SEXUAL ASSAULT IS A MAJOR ISSUE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IT ALL GOES BACK TO EDUCATION.

WE HAVE BEEN PRODUCING BASED ON THE THOUGHT THAT WE DON´T UNDERSTAND OUR CONNECTIVITY TO EACH OTHER.

THAT NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED.

ALSO TO TEACH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AS TO HOW TO AVOID THE SITUATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO SEXUAL ASSAULT.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ALSO IN STRICTER RULES AND PUNISHMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ASSAULT OUR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN SEXUALLY.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

JULIAN VEIRA NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT .

>> THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OR ABUSE OF OUR CHILDREN.

I WOULD NOT STAND BY IDLY AND DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE CREATING INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE.

BLESSED BE MINDFUL AS WELL THAT THE SEX ABUSE WE ARE SEEING IN OUR COMMUNITY IS NOT DONE BY STRANGERS BUT FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUARDIANS.

IT IS ALSO BY CARETAKERS.

THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE BUILT UP THE TRUST OF THESE INDIVIDUALS.

IT SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED AND AGAIN WE HAVE VERY STRONG ABUSE REGULATIONS AND POLICIES AND LAWS AGAINST THEM AND MAKE SURE THE INDIVIDUALS ARE PROSECUTED AND THEY RECEIVED THE SUBSTANTIAL PENALTY IN TERMS OF THE SEXUAL ASSAULT ON OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

IT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE.

I AM GRAVITY FIVE.

>> WITH RESPECT TO ONE OF THE TOP FOUR CONCERNS CITED BY VOTERS, WOULD YOU SEE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THEM AS A SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE QUESTION.

THERE CONTINUES TO BE A LEVEL OF FRUSTRATION FOR ALL COMMUNITIES.

IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE LEVELS THAT IT COST US .

WE HAVE PUMPED MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND STILL HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RELIEF IN SIGHT.

I THINK IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE HAVE MOVED TOWARD DISCUSSION OF PRIVATE VISITATION OF WAPA.

THEY CONTINUE TO SUBSIDIZE AS A MEANS OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY WITH WIND TURBINES AND HAVE ALTERNATIVE SOLELY ON WAPA.

WE ALSO HAVE TO UNITE SO THAT THOSE INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LEAVE THE GRID AND STAND ON THEIR OWN SOLAR POWERED AND OPERATE IN COST AND THOSE OF US THAT CONTINUE TO PAY WAPA.

WE ALSO HAVE TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES SO THAT WE DON´T HAVE TO RELY SOLELY ON WAPA.

>> SAME QUESTION.

YOU NEED ME TO READ IT OVER?

WHAT YOU SEE AS A MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR WAPA AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING THEM AND SENATOR IN THE 35th LEGISLATURE?

YOU HAVE 90 SECONDS.

>> I WOULD SAY MISMANAGEMENT.

FOR DECADES UPON DECADES WE HAVE BEEN IN THE SAME SITUATION WITH WAPA.

OUR LEGISLATURE HASN´T GOTTEN TOGETHER AND RESOLVE THE ISSUES OF WAPA.

WE SHOULD NOT BE PAYING FOR FOSSIL FUELS.

WHAT WE SHOULD BE PAYING FOR IS WHAT WORKS FOR US TO PRODUCE POWER.

WE NEED TO INVESTIGATE SOLAR OR WIND ENERGY WITHOUT PAYING TO PRODUCE UP OUR DAILY.

THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM FOR WAPA IS YOU CHANGE THE WAY WE PRODUCE POWER.

WE SHOULD NOT BE PAYING FOR THE FUEL TO PRODUCE POWER.

WE SHOULD BE RELYING ON SOLAR OR WIND ENERGY.

MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION.

>> FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS GER S WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR CONCERN.

SO WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN ABOUT HOW THIS CAME TO BE?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER VEIRA.

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHY GRS WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY VOTERS AS A MAJOR CONCERN?

WHAT ARE THE LESSONS THAT WE CAN LEARN ABOUT HOW THIS CAME TO BE THIS WAY?

>> THE REASON WHY GRS WAS NOT IDENTIFY , IS SIMPLY BECAUSE I DON´T THINK THEY WAS AWARE OF FOR GRS.

THE ANSWER TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM THAT GRS HAS IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO PAY THEIR BILLS IN A TIMELY MANNER.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD MUCH MONEY THAT WAS TAKEN UP BY INDIVIDUALS AND IT IDENTIFIED THE MONEY THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD GOING TO GRS AND WAS NOT PAID IN A TIMELY MANNER.

SO THE BILLS NEED TO BE PAID IN A TIMELY MANNER.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT .

>> I´M SO HAPPY TO REPORT AND HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE SENATORS THAT SPONSORED LEGISLATION ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE THE ISSUE REALLY HINGED ON THEIR ABILITY TO THE FACT THAT WAS PAID OUT MORE MONEY THAN THEY WAS TAKING IN.

THE 34th LEGISLATURE, AND PROVIDED SOLVENCY FOR THEIR GOVERNMENT RETIREMENT SYSTEM PERMANENTLY.

IN ADDITION TO THAT I HAVE MOOD FOR LEGISLATION , WHICH IS NOT BEEN PAID FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS AND WILL BE PAID BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.

I AM SO HAPPY THAT GRS, AND WE CHECKED THE BOX AND WE ARE NO LONGER CONCERNED ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

BUT WE NEED TO MAINTAIN SOLVENCY AS WE MOVE FOR.

:YOU VERY MUCH.

>> LET´S TALK ABOUT GROWING THE ECONOMY.

WHILE TOURISM IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY THE ELECTORATES DO NOT WORK IN THAT INDUSTRY.

MANY WORKING GOVERNMENT BUT THAT DOES LITTLE TO BRING IN NEW DOLLARS.

SO WHAT IS LEFT IS THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE OR PLAN TO DO AS A SENATOR TO GROW OR SUPPORT THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE LOCALS TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS QUESTION.

I AM APPRECIATIVE OF THE QUESTION THAT YOU ASKED BECAUSE I AM ONE OF THE CENTERS THAT HAVE PROVIDED FOR ECONOMIC AND PROSPERITY HERE.

I CREATED THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ZONE AND ALSO PROVIDED $1 MILLION FOR THE MARKETING, WHICH CONTINUE TO SEEK AND SUPERVISE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS JOBS.

ADDITIONALLY I PROVIDED AS WELL AS THE CALCULUS FUND, $5 MILLION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO BE ESTABLISHED AND IS A CATALYST FUND .

ANY SMALL BUSINESS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, THROUGH THE PROGRAM THAT SHOULD BE PAID BACK.

CERTAINLY CRITICAL TO THE WELL- BEING AND BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY, AND I AM HAPPY FOR THIS LEGISLATION.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I AM , NUMBER 13.

>> MISTER VEIRA WILL HAVE THE NEXT FOR 30 SECONDS.

DO YOU NEED ME TO REREAD THE QUESTION?

>> PLEASE.

>> TOURISM IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY, AND A MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORATE DO NOT WORK IN THAT INDUSTRY.

IT DOES LITTLE TO BRING IN NEW DOLLARS.

WHAT IS LEFT IS THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE OR PLAN TO DO AS A SENATOR TO GROW OR SUPPORT THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE LOCALS TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

60 SECONDS.

>> WE ARE ASSUMING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVE A MONETARY PROBLEM IN WHICH I WILL DISAGREE WITH.

WE NEED TO HAVE A BANK THAT WILL ENSURE THE MONEY EXITING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WILL NOT HAPPEN.

ALSO PLAN TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GIVE SMALL BUSINESSES MORE INCENTIVES , AND INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO GIVE BUSINESSES, SMALL BUSINESSES INCENTIVE SO THEY CAN OPEN AND BE MORE PRODUCTIVE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

TRAFFIC FOUR, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> THE PANDEMIC HAS SHOWN US WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY AND SUPPLEMENT OUR INDEPENDENCE ON TOURISM.

WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE BESIDES TOURISM AND ALCOHOL FOR GROWING AND DIVERSIFYING OUR ECONOMY?

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO MAKING THEM A REALITY?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER VEIRA.

>> 54, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF LAND HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND THE SAME IN ST. CROIX THAT IS UNUSED.

WE HAVE TO SUBMIT A SELF- SUFFICIENCY PLAN WHICH WILL HARNESS THE MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER THAT GOES INTO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN DAILY.

USES WATER FOR FARMING AND INTRODUCE HOMESTEADS WHERE CAN GROW FOOD AND BE MORE SELF- SUFFICIENT AS FAR AS FOOD SECURITY IS CONCERNED.

MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 20 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE QUESTION.

EDUCATION OF OUR ECONOMY IS CRITICAL.

WE HAVE RELIED ON REFINERIES AND TOURISM TO DETERMINE OUR ECONOMIC STRUCTURE.

IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE MOVE AWAY FROM THAT.

IN ADDITION TO THAT I MOVE FOR LEGISLATION FOR OUR GOVERNMENT BUDGET TO GO TOWARD AGRICULTURE AGAIN TO ALLOW FOR FOOD SECURITY, AND WE HAVE TO WORK COLLECTIVELY TO BE ABLE TO UNIFY, AND WHEN YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS, THERE IS SOME CATASTROPHE THAT MINIMIZES OPPORTUNITIES.

IT IS ALL ABOUT OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

>> THANK YOU.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA WAS A POSSIBLE BOOST TO THE ECONOMY BUT AN OPPOSITE HAS BEEN CREATED TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR OVERSIGHT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE TERRITORY.

IT APPEARS THAT LITTLE HAS COME FROM IT THUS FAR.

WHAT YOU SEE IS THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN ADDRESSING THIS MATTER?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> MEDICAL MARIJUANA HAS BEEN DEEMED TO BE A SMALL FRAGMENT OF OUR ECONOMY.

WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA AGAIN PERHAPS 90 $-20 MILLION.

I BELIEVE THERE IS A DISCUSSION THAT WE HAD NATIONALLY IN RESPECT TO LEGALIZATION.

I BELIEVE WE NEED TO HAVE A PROPER STRUCTURE IN PLACE AS WELL AS THE MECHANISM IN PLACE TO ALLOW FOR LEGALIZATION.

BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MOVE THERE INSTEAD.

I THINK THE DAY HAS COME AND LEGALIZATION WOULD BE OUR BEST APPROACH WITH RESPECT TO ADDRESSING THE MARIJUANA SITUATION IN THIS TERRITORY.

>> MISTER VEIRA.

>> COULD YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> SURE.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA WAS INTENDED AS A POSSIBLE BOOST TO THE ECONOMY, AN OFFICE HAS BEEN CREATED FOR MEDICAL WILL ON -- MARIJUANA IN THE TERRITORY.

WHAT YOU SEE AS THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN ADDRESSING THIS MATTER?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> IT IS EVIDENT THAT MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND IS EVIDENT BECAUSE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION AND WHAT WE HAVE GOTTEN SO FAR.

I WOULD BE IN FULL SUPPORT OF LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA WITH PROPER EDUCATION OF THE PROS AND CONS OF USING MARIJUANA WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

SUPPORT FOR THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

TRAFFIC FOUR, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> WESTERN OUR ATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE.

FOR OVER 30 YEARS THE LEAGUE OF QUESTION REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LAND AND WATER USE PLAN FOR THE TERRITORY.

WITHOUT FAIL OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS CANDIDATES ALIKE HAVE PLACED THAT ON THEIR WATCH A PLAN WOULD BE DEVELOPED.

NONE HAS.

SO WE ASK THIS QUESTION INSTEAD.

WHAT IMPACT IF ANY HAVE YOU SEEN ON THE TERRITORY AS RESULT OF NOT HAVING THE PLAN, AND WHAT WOULD DO YOU SEE AS A CONCERN MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT A PLAN?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER VEIRA.

>> IT IS EVIDENT BY THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TIME AND TIME AGAIN HAVE FAILED THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AS WELL AS OUR LAND AND WATER USE.

IT WOULD BE MORE AND MORE DEVASTATED IF THINGS ARE NOT PUT IN PLACE TO CURTAIL THE SITUATION.

A PLAN AND WE PLAN TO RECYCLE THE WASTE WATER THAT IS BEING DUMPED INTO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN DAILY.

WE PLAN TO DESIGNATE SPECIFIC AREAS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR HOMESTEADING AS FAR AS LAND IS CONCERNED.

IT IS PART OF THE FOUR POINT PLAN WITH LAND AND WATER USE HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I AM NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> MISTER FRANCIS.

>> CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARNING IS REAL AND IT HAS IMPACTED OUR TERRITORY.

THE LAND AND WATER USE PLAN HAS BEEN A DISCUSSION FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS.

US TO GET LAND AND WATER USE.

AS A RESULT OF THAT IT HAS BEEN DETRIMENTAL TO OUR ENVIRONMENT AND NOW WE HAVE A HODGEPODGE OF , AND WE HAVE TO BALANCE THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN ECONOMIC DISCUSSION AND PRESERVATION.

IT IS CRITICAL FOR US TO HAVE THAT WATER USE PLAN IN PLACE AND TO GET OUR COMMUNITY INPUT IN TERMS OF WHAT WE NEED TO SECURE AND SEE HAPPEN.

WE NEED TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT A CITY PLANNER, SOMEBODY WHO WOULD BE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE .

>> THANK YOU.

WHAT YOU PERCEIVE AS POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE TERRITORY?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS SENATOR TO ENSURE THAT ATTENTION IS BROUGHT TO MITIGATING THAT WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL.

IT IS HAPPENING IN THE TERRITORY.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE TYPES OF HURRICANES THAT WE EXPERIENCE AND IT IS GETTING MORE MORE CATASTROPHIC.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE ICEBERG THAT IS MELTING AND IMPACTING OUR TERRITORY, AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE BIRDS MOVING AROUND HERE AND LOOKING FOR SAFE GROUND IT IS VERY CRITICAL.

I BELIEVE THAT WE NEED TO CAPITALIZE ON THE FEDERAL FUNDING THAT HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE BY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DOING THE STUDIES, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY PUT IN PLACE THE PREVENTATIVE AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PROTECT US ALL IN TERMS OF WHAT THE GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRESENT.

>> THANK YOU MISTER VEIRA.

WHAT YOU PERCEIVE AS POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE TERRITORY, AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ENSURE THAT ATTENTION IS BROUGHT TO MITIGATING THESE IMPACTS AND YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

THESE AREAS AND SHORELINES THAT ARE BEING ERODED IS AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN IMPACTED, AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT WE ARE FACING HURRICANES EVERY YEAR.

WHEN USED TO BE PUT IN PLACE IS MORE IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS SO WE CAN EDUCATE OUR LOCALS ABOUT THE PRECAUTION MEASURES THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN AS FAR AS CLIMATE CHANGE IS CONCERNED.

FUNDS ARE BADLY NEEDED, AND EDUCATE INDIVIDUALS, AND WHATEVER CATASTROPHE , AND FEDERAL FUNDING IS VITAL HERE US DEAL WITH CLIMATE CHANGE.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

LET´S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOUSING.

MANY YOUNG FAMILIES ARE LEAVING THE TERRITORY BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE HOUSING MARKET HERE OR FIND AFFORDABLE RENT.

SOME HAVE SUGGESTED REINSTITUTING RENT CONTROL AS A WAY OF STABILIZING THE MARKET.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON RENT CONTROL FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT OUR ISLANDS ARE BEING INFILTRATED WITH INDIVIDUALS RATHER THAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE LIVED HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

PEOPLE ARE BEING PUSHED OUT OF THEIR HOME BECAUSE THEY CANNOT PAY WHATEVER LEGAL FEES IMPOSED ON THEM BECAUSE OF INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE MOVING IN.

MORE EDUCATION NEEDS TO BE HAD FOR INDIVIDUALS AS TO HOW THEY CAN RESOLVE WITH THE HALF.

WE CAN RESOLVE LANDS AND PROPERTIES THAT ARE LEFT TO US BY OUR ANCESTORS, AND MORE COMMUNICATION NEEDS TO BE HAD IN THAT AREA.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> I SUPPORT RENT CONTROL.

I KNOW THAT RENT CONTROL CAN BECOME AN ISSUE.

I THINK MOST IMPORTANTLY IS THAT WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS FOR OUR CITIZENS, AND AGAIN HOMEOWNERSHIP IS CRITICAL.

THIS BODY, THE 34th LEGISLATURE, I PROVIDED $4 MILLION FOR FIRST- TIME BUYERS SO THEY CAN GO TO THE BANK AND BE ABLE TO GET THE DOWN PAYMENT THAT IS AFFORDABLE TO THEM AND BE ABLE TO PAY FOR A SYSTEM AND HAVE HOME OWNERSHIP.

WE HAVE TO REMOVE THE BARRIERS AND ALLOW FOR INDIVIDUALS TO REALLY DRIVE HOME OWNERSHIP IN THE TERRITORY.

I AM ALL ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP.

>> THANK YOU.

CANDACE HAVE DISCOVERED IT IS WISE TO TALK ABOUT PROMOTING CULTURE TO GET ELECTED BUT ONCE IN OFFICE IS HEARD BY STRENGTHENING BUSINESS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS A CHALLENGE TO MAKE AN AGRIBUSINESS A REALITY AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM AS A SENDER?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE QUESTION.

I AM NOVELLE FRANCIS JR.

NUMBER 13.

I BELIEVE IT IS CRITICAL AND IMPORTANT.

I BELIEVE THE 34th LEGISLATURE AS WELL AS THE MINISTRATION HAS BEEN WORKING FOR EVERY BUSINESS.

WE JUST FUNDED BUSINESSES FOR THE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM.

A BUDGET WILL GO TOWARD AGRICULTURE WHICH WILL INCREASE THE BUDGET BY AT LEAST A MILLION AND A HALF OR TWO TO MAINE DOLLARS FOR AGRICULTURE.

I BELIEVE THIS WOULD ALLOW FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT AS WELL.

BUT WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT OUR FARMERS TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND AND GET YOUNGER INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN FARMING.

WE HAVE TO USE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR OUR FARMING INDUSTRY.

>> THANK YOU.

MISTER VEIRA .

>> JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE CULTURE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN IMPACTED OVER THE YEARS.

WITH MY FOUR POINT PLAN AGRICULTURE IS A MAJOR SEGMENT.

WE PLAN TO INTRODUCE HOMESTEADS THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN LIVE ON AND WITH 3 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER THAT IS WENT BACK INTO THE CARIBBEAN SEA DAILY, WE CREATE ARTIFICIAL LAKE SO WE CAN USE THAT WATER TO IRRIGATE OUR FARMS HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE ALSO PLAN TO INTRODUCE A PROCESS AND PACKAGING PLANT SO WE CAN ADD VALUE TO THE PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I HAVE A SUSTAINABLE PLAN WITH ST. CROIX AND THE REST OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

JULIAN VEIRA .

>> I WILL SAY THAT WHEN YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS FOUR POINT PLAN IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE SOME OF THE THINGS ALREADY.

SOME THE THINGS MY COLLEAGUE HAS BEEN PRESENTING.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT A PATCHING CENTER AND WATER AVAILABILITY, THOSE ARE THINGS THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN PLACE.

I THINK WE HAVE TO MOVE FROM THE CONVERSATION PIECE TO PRACTICAL POLICIES.

I BELIEVE THAT WHAT WE WANT TO SEE IS THE IMPLEMENTATION TO GET OUR FARMERS INTERESTED AND CAPITALIZE ON WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

NOVELLE FRANCIS JR.

NUMBER 13.

>> MANY CANDACE FOR THE LEGISLATURE HAVE A WRITTEN PLATFORM, BUT IN READING THEM IT IS HARD TO DIFFERENTIATE ONE CANDIDATE FROM THE NEXT OR EVEN ONE POLITICAL PARTY FROM THE NEXT.

HOW DOES ONE DIFFERENTIATE DEMOCRAT FROM INDEPENDENT BASED ON WHAT IS STATED IN THE PLATFORM?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER VEIRA.

>> I CANNOT SPEAK AS TO HOW SOMEONE CAN DIFFERENTIATE , BUT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS NOT PUT FORWARD A SPECIFIC PLAN .

THE ORGANIZATION THAT I AM A PART OF WE HAVE A SPECIFIC PLAN AND CAN DIFFERENTIATE FOR A SELF ABOUT WHO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS BASED ON THE FOUR PLANT -- POINT PLAN THAT WE HAVE.

IT INCLUDES EDUCATION REFORM, AGRICULTURE, A VIRGIN ISLANDS ON THE BANK.

I AM NUMBER 21, JULIAN VEIRA , CANDIDATE FOR THE 35th LEGISLATURE.

THANK YOU.

>> MISTER FRANCIS YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY THAT IS IN EXISTENCE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS THE ONE THAT CONTINUES TO BE THE TARGET AND IS ONLY EFFECTIVE PARTY THAT WE HAVE HERE.

WE ARE FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE.

EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THE CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS DONE IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE A STRUCTURE AND PLATFORM AND THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY.

THAT IS THE REASON WHY YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE REPUBLICAN AND ICM AND THE DEMOCRATS.

THE DEMOCRATS ARE DOERS AND HAVE BEEN THE MAJORITY HERE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

NOVELLE FRANCIS JR., NUMBER 13 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

A YOUNG ADULT MALE , IT HAS LED TO AN ALARMING INCREASE IN DEATH AMONG THAT POPULATION.

A STUDY REVEALS THAT SUCH CRIMES ARE OFTEN COMMITTED BY MALES THAT DROP OUT OF SCHOOL.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSE AS A SENATOR FOR THIS FINDING?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH MISTER FRANCIS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE QUESTION.

SOCIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A DETERMINING FACTOR .

A LOT OF TIMES AS SOON AS A YOUNGSTER GETS INTO ANY TYPE OF DISCIPLINE ACTION AND DELINQUENCY, THE FIRST THING WE DO IS WE SEND THEM TO THE JUVENILE COURT.

AND SCHOOL SUSPENSION AND THOSE ACTIONS.

IS BECAUSE INDIVIDUALS ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY IN SCHOOL OR AT HOME OR THERE MAY BE SOME DISABILITIES LIKE FORCING THEM OUT OF SCHOOL.

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS TO GET THEM THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE AND NOT LIVE A LIFE OF CRIME.

NOVELLE FRANCIS JR.

NUMBER 13.

SPIRIT THANK YOU, MISTER VEIRA.

YOUNG ADULT MALES HAVE LED TO AN ALARMING INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DEATH AMONG THAT POPULATION.

A STUDY REVEALS THAT SUCH CRIMES ARE OFTEN COMMITTED BY MALES WHO DROP OUT OF SCHOOL.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSE IS ASSENTED TO THIS FINDING?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> FIRST OFF AN EDUCATION PLAN.

A REFORM SCHOOL WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.

IT WILL MOVE OUR CHILDREN FROM THE REGULAR SCHOOL AND TO MOVE THEM TO WHERE THEY CAN BE ANALYZED WITH THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE, AND CAN GET HELP AS FAR AS DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE.

WE NEED TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AS FAR AS OUR YOUNGSTERS ARE CONCERNED.

EDUCATION IN THE PROPER MANNER.

EDUCATION WITH UNDERSTANDING OF HOW WE ARE CONNECTED HERE TO EACH OTHER IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND HOW WE ARE CONNECTED HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

EDUCATION IS THE KEY AND IS THE ANSWER TO THE CRIME AND VIOLENCE WE ARE FACING WITH OUR YOUNGSTERS.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> WE HAVE EACH TIME TO EXPAND 60 SECONDS BEFORE WE MOVED TO THE CLOSING STATEMENT.

LET´S START WITH JULIAN VEIRA.

>> GOOD DAY AGAIN.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

EDUCATION IS THE UNDERSTANDING THAT DRIVES EVERYTHING THAT WE DO.

EDUCATION FROM THE PROPER´S PERSPECTIVE .

EDUCATION THAT LETS US UNDERSTAND.

THE CAPTIVITY TO EACH OTHER WILL REDUCE AND TIME MOST OF THE PROBLEM THAT WE ARE FACING HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

EDUCATION FROM THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE WITH THE DRIVING FORCE IN REDUCING THE PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE THAT WE ARE HAVING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

>> MISTER FRANCIS, ONE TOPIC OF YOUR CHOICE AND YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I BELIEVE THAT THIS EDUCATION IS A QUICK HYBRID.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE EDUCATION OF OUR YOUNG IT IS CRITICAL FOR EARLY INTERVENTION, AND NEED TO BE IN AND MAKE SURE WE ARE ADDRESSING THE MENTAL DISABILITIES AND GETTING THEM EVALUATED.

ALL OF THESE ENTITIES ARE AT THE TABLE SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE A NECESSARY CURE TO OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.

WE HAVE A LOT OF BEHAVIORAL ISSUES, AND THEY ARE EXPOSED TO A LOT THAT IS GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE NEED TO REALLY PROVIDE THAT LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR THEM.

WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ADDRESSING THE YOUNGSTERS, AND WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO OUR YOUNGSTERS .

I BELIEVE WE HAVE WITHIN US TO REALLY GET IN AND ADDRESS ISSUES.

>> NOW THE CANDIDATES WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS EACH FOR THEIR CLOSING STATEMENTS STARTING WITH NOVELLE FRANCIS JR.. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND FOR THE INTERVIEWS.

I WANT TO THANK WTJX AGAIN FOR HOSTING THIS FORM.

YOU HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE AS YOU LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES FOR THE 30 FOR THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT NOVELLE FRANCIS JR. YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO WORKS ACROSS I´LL.

I WORK WITH ARE DEMOCRATS AND EVERYONE BECAUSE I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.

YOU LOOK AT SOMEONE WHO HAS SPENT THE LAST FOUR TERMS IN THE SENATE TO CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT ST. CROIX AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GET A FAIR SHARE AT THE TABLE.

I AM NOVELLE FRANCIS JR. AND AM LOOKING FOR A BETTER AND PROSPEROUS VIRGIN ISLANDS.

PLEASE JOIN ME, NOVELLE FRANCIS JR.

NUMBER 13.

I WANT TO THANK MISTER VEIRA IN HIS ENDEAVORS TO JOIN THE 35th LEGISLATURE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

MISTER VEIRA YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT AND AGAIN 60 SECONDS.

>> GOOD DAY GHENT MY NAME IS JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT.

THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION AND THE INTERVIEW.

IT IS VERY OBVIOUS TO ME THAT WE HAVE BEEN ELECTING INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THE LEGISLATURE FOR DECADES WHO SEEM TO HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING ABOUT WHERE WE ARE AND WHAT IT INTO A BETTER STATE.

I WILL CONSIDER THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND 76 OF FAILED COMMUNITY, OF FAILED COMMUNITY, AND THAT WE DON´T KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING.

WE CAN SEE THE TREATMENT THAT WE GET WHEN WE GO TO THE HOSPITAL.

I THINK WE NEED TO START ELECTING PROACTIVE INDIVIDUALS AND NOT REACTIVE INDIVIDUALS.

INDIVIDUALS THAT WILL MOVE US FROM THIS FAILED STATE INTO A MORE PRODUCTIVE STATE.

JULIAN VEIRA, NUMBER 21 ON YOUR BALLOT AND THANK YOU AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU KANSAS AND THANK YOU WTJX AND STAFF FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND UNDERSTANDING MY CHOICE FOR A MASK TODAY.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOST THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED WITH YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE CANDIDATES, AND IN SO DOING WILL INFORM YOUR VOTE IN NOVEMBER.

THE LEAGUE REMINDS YOU THAT YOUR VOTE DETERMINES THE FUTURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT.

DURING ELECTIONS WE OFTEN SEE INDIVIDUALS WHO BARELY MAKE THE CUT BECAUSE A FEW MORE PEOPLE DID VOTE.

THE ONE WHO BARELY LOSES AND WISHES THAT IF ONLY A FEW MORE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE VOTED.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.

IT IS YOUR RIGHT, TAKE IT.

I AM FRANCINE LANG FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I SAY VOTE EARLY OR BOATING NOVEMBER.

JUST VOTE.